Everything you need to know about the PGA Top-Up Degree
Anton Samsonov, from Mill Creek, Norwich’s Nick Lucas and Thomas Maxwell, from Wensum Valley, were among the first Members to complete the PGA’s Top-Up degree course.
Here, they discuss their experiences and the impact they hope it will have on their careers.
“The knowledge I have gained from topping up my degree in the mere two years it took to complete is without doubt something that is going to benefit me throughout my career.”
Anton Samsonov, PGA Professional
In October 2021, The PGA launched an exciting opportunity for those Members who have come through the Association’s Foundation Degree course to top up their qualification to a full degree.
The course, delivered between The PGA and the University of Birmingham, is studied over two years which (like the Foundation Degree) means it is part-time, allowing PGA Members to continue their day-today occupations. Delivery of the programme is fully online with a blend of online sessions and distance learning. Entry is by application and there are approximately 25 places available. Applications are assessed based upon previous performance of the Foundation Degree programme.
Three of the graduates, Samsonov, the first Russian to complete The PGA’s training programme, Lucas and Maxwell share their thoughts on the course.
What made you pursue The PGA’s Top-Up Degree?
TM: I wanted to build on the knowledge I gained during the PGA Foundation Degree. I am hoping to progress into a more senior management position as my career develops and I felt this qualification, along with the PGA Director of Golf qualification, would give me the best possible opportunity of succeeding with that goal.
AS: After I gained my PGA Foundation qualification in 2015, I knew that this was just the beginning of my golf education and that I needed to carry on gaining new skills and more qualifications in order to become one of the most qualified golf professionals in my home country, Russia.
NL: The main reason I applied was to widen my knowledge and hopefully open a few more doors for me in my career further down the line.
How did you apply for the Top-Up course and how did you find the application process?
NL: I applied via The PGA directly which made the application process very simple and fast.
AS: I keep a close eye on all the educational programmes offered by The PGA and before the Top-Up degree I also did a PGA Director of Golf diploma. I got a note from Simon Hubbard, The PGA’s Head of Training, letting me know that it was being offered. I didn’t wait long to apply. The process was very fast and efficient in getting out the forms to The PGA and the University of Birmingham, together with personal recommendations from my mentors.
TM: I applied with The PGA directly – it was a smooth and easy process.
How did you find the course?
AS: At first, I found the course hard for PGA Professionals like me who had paused their education as it required dedication and quite a few hours to keep up with the weekly reading. Maybe knowing a bit more in advance about how much time you need to put in during that first term could help you get back into studying. After a few months it became less intensive and I was able to structure the work around my own timetable.
TM: The course was very well run by both The PGA and the University of Birmingham. The regular online lectures, tutorials and access to support gave us all the best possible chance of being successful. The content of the modules was interesting and appropriate, I was able to focus on specific subjects within the course that I felt would be useful to me as I progress through my career.
NL: I thought the course was very well run considering it was its first year. We received some great help throughout from the University of Birmingham and The PGA respectively. It was very well structured with clear timings for lectures and deadlines for assignments.
How did you manage distance learning?
NL: Personally, I found distance learning quite difficult to begin with, even after undertaking the PGA Foundation Degree beforehand. Distance learning and time management for me have never been a strong point. Once I got into the swing of things and started attending the online lectures, I found managing my own time a lot easier due to the guidelines set out by the university.
AS: I believe it is a new reality which we all faced during the pandemic, so it was convenient and allowed me to study in my free time before or after work. Of course, on-campus learning is always better as you get a feel for the information, but distance learning helps a lot as most PGA Professionals are busy at their golf clubs.
TM: I found distance learning very enjoyable. It was important to be disciplined with time management and meeting deadlines.
Which parts of the course did you find most valuable?
TM: I found the dissertation project the most valuable part of the course. It gave me experience in researching and presenting relevant data in an appropriate manor.
AS: The lectures with professors who passed their knowledge during online sessions were much more interesting than reading a lot of materials for future assignments, but the best part was the dissertation assignment, where we had a chance to showcase our knowledge about a specific subject that we had picked ourselves.
NL: For me the online lectures with face-to-face chats as a group were the most valuable part of the whole course. Learning from the tutors and using the time they gave up for me to learn and further my knowledge within the specific modules each week helped me massively throughout the course.
How will having this full degree benefit your current job and your future career prospects?
TM: I am looking to move into club management in the future and I felt The PGA’s Top-Up degree course has given me the perfect platform to make this move.
NL: Having this degree on my CV from now on is not only going to help me progress up the ladder at my current place of work, but hopefully make me stand out from the crowd if I look to move on in my career. Another benefit of completing this degree is it has given me more confidence in my ability as a coach and within the management side of the club as well.
AS: The Top-Up degree is a must for PGA Professionals planning to work abroad. It makes visa processing easier and allows The PGA to stand out with new quality standards which it is known for. I’m very proud of being the one and only PGA Professional in Russia with this qualification, and I am sure it is going to help to promote my services and build my personal brand.
Why should other PGA Members be considering topping up their foundation degree to a full degree?
AS: It is two years of extra work, but it will help to improve your knowledge and to stand out from others in what is a very competitive jobs market. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to other PGA Members, especially if they are thinking of working internationally or are already based outside of the UK.
NL: Do it! That is the first thing I would say. The knowledge I have gained from topping up my degree in the mere two years it took to complete is without doubt something that is going to benefit me throughout my career. You gain such a wide range of knowledge from some highly acclaimed tutors.
TM: If you have the time, it is a fantastic opportunity.
Apply for the Top-Up degree
We recognise that many Members became qualified prior to the introduction of the Foundation degree in 2004. Those current PGA Members also have the opportunity to gain a degree (with the option to continue towards an honours degree) with The University of the Highlands and Islands, who will recognise the previous work experience of PGA Members who do not have the Foundation Degree or DipHE qualifications.
The deadline to apply for the next Top-Up course intake is August 31. CLICK HERE to learn more and to apply.